[ARTICLE] Why Washington's Required SEL Day Matters for 2024-2025 and How Generation Wellness Can Help

About the Laws

In Washington State, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is more than just a concept; it’s essential to educating the whole child. State laws RCW 28A.415.445 and RCW 28A.415.430 require districts to dedicate a professional learning day every two years for SEL training. This mandate highlights the importance of helping students and staff regulate emotions, set goals, build relationships, and make responsible decisions that drive academic success and prepare students for life beyond school.

Why SEL Matters

Embedding SEL into daily lessons equips students with the resilience and social-emotional skills they need to thrive. SEL also helps schools address important areas like trauma-informed practices, mental health literacy, and culturally responsive teaching, creating more supportive and inclusive classrooms.

Best Practices for SEL Professional Development

Effective SEL training is ongoing, collaborative, and embedded in daily teaching. Educators benefit from sustained learning experiences that directly translate into the classroom, ensuring long-lasting improvements in school culture and student outcomes.

Key Areas of SEL Professional Development

According to RCW 28A.415.430, SEL training for educators should cover one or more of these topics:

• Social Emotional Learning (best practices, curriculum integration, etc.)
• Trauma-informed SEL practices
• Recognizing and Responding to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Emotional or Behavioral Distress
• Mental health literacy
• Anti-bullying strategies
• Culturally sustaining practices
  
  

State Funding Update

Chris Reykdal, Superintendent of Pubic Instruction, shares that districts now have greater flexibility in how federal and state funds can be used to support SEL initiatives thanks to the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Why Choose Generation Wellness for SEL Success

Generation Wellness simplifies SEL training, making it easier for schools to meet the 2024-2025 requirements. Here’s why schools choose us:

• Comprehensive, Research-Based Training: Our professional development covers emotional regulation, trauma-informed practices, and aligns with all six areas recommended by OSPI. With over 500,000 educators trained, our strategies are proven and practical.

• Tailored to Your Needs: We customize each training to align with your school’s specific goals, whether focusing on mental health literacy, trauma-informed approaches, or improving school culture and climate.

• Interactive & Practical: Our 6-hour sessions are hands-on and engaging, providing tools that can be implemented immediately. These are not one-size-fits-all lessons, but adaptable strategies to use throughout the day alongside any other curriculum.

• Sustainable Support: Our support extends beyond training days, with online toolkits, leadership programs, and coaching that ensure long-term impact and continued success.

• Proven Results: Schools using Generation Wellness have seen up to a 90% reduction in behavior referrals, transforming school environments over the past 11 years.

Generation Wellness meets state SEL standards and aligns with frameworks like MTSS and CASEL, helping schools foster both emotional well-being and academic achievement.

With SEL training now required in Washington and many other states, Generation Wellness is the trusted partner to help your school achieve lasting success. Contact us today to learn how we can support your professional development goals and create thriving learning environments.
 

Washington State Districts and ESDs Trained Over the Past 11 Years:

• ESD 112
• ESD 123
• Ellensburg School District
• Forks School District
• Kent School District: [Watch Results Video]
• North Mason School District
• Olympia School District:  [Watch Results Video]
• Pasco School District
• Peninsula School District 
• Port Angeles School District
• Selah School District
• Skykomish School District
• Tahoma School District (SEL Day this October)
• Tonasket School District (SEL Day this October)
• Toppenish School District
• Tumwater School District
• Tukwila School District
• Wenatchee School District 

More listed in the flyer below.

Has your district scheduled your required SEL day? Click here to learn more.